If Getting Fit Is Your New Year's Resolution, Here's the 12-Month Plan You Need

Skip the same old and bring new fire to your fitness world by giving new workouts a try. This month, try one new workout a week. Maybe it's a partner strength-training class in your gym, Zumba, Soulcycle, adult ballet, road biking outside, Ashtanga yoga, or Barry's Bootcamp. Even trying a new instructor counts!

Your goal this month is to take your workouts outside. At least twice a week, commit to getting some fresh air and sunshine out in Mother Nature — even if it's cold outside! Walk, hike, ski, snowshoe, bike, run, or swim (if it's warm enough!).

Whether it's in the flesh or online, become part of a fitness community this month. It could be as small as getting a few of your friends together for regularly weekly workouts, joining a new CrossFit box (they're known for their supportive community), or joining an online fitness group like one you find through Instagram. You can share workouts, photos, and the accountability will keep you motivated.

This month, your goal is to gather some fitness equipment to create your own home gym. Start with a pair of dumbbells and a yoga mat so you can do some strength training or stretching at home. Even five minutes a day will make a difference. Add in other types of equipment like a jump rope, a kettlebell, a heavier set of dumbbells, a pull-up bar that fits in a door frame, or a TRX. If you want to go bigger, get something like the Flywheel at-home bike and workout system called Fly Anywhere. If your home gym is set up, you're more likely to squeeze in a little extra fitness when you can.

Your goal this month? Set up a session with a personal trainer. Bring questions like "Which exercises work your butt the most?" or a goal in mind such as "I want to build up to 10 push-ups." They can help make it happen. Everyone can benefit from the expertise from a professional who specializes in fitness.

The workouts are just part of the equation when it comes to being fit. You also need spend time being proactive with recovery and injury prevention. Commit to foam rolling, stretching or doing yoga regularly, and getting massages this month.

This month, it's time to bring it! Focus on pushing yourself hard, whether it's to run a litter faster, do a longer workout, lift heavier, do more reps, or get more intense! Get that heart pumping, those muscles burning, and that body sweating! Commit to pushing yourself hard during two workouts a week. What an awesome way to end the year!